The first group of cyber commandos, put together by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), has successfully completed a rigorous six-month training program at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Kottayam. The graduation ceremony for the thirty commandos, who were carefully selected from various state police forces across the country, took place in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
These cyber commandos underwent intensive training at the IIIT with the goal of protecting India’s digital infrastructure. After passing a nationwide entrance exam, they received specialized instruction in cyber defense strategies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and penetration testing. The IIIT faculty members confirmed that the commandos are now equipped to handle cyber threats not just within the country but also on a global scale. Moreover, they have been awarded internationally recognized certifications in cybersecurity, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT), and CompTIA Security+.
In order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, the commandos had to successfully complete a challenging final examination. Additionally, they gained practical experience by visiting various organizations, such as the Kerala Police Cyber Dome and Drone Lab, to engage in real-world cybersecurity operations.
The IIIT Kottayam has also collaborated with the Kerala Cyber Crime Department to offer brief cybersecurity training sessions to five separate groups of Kerala Police personnel. M Radhakrishnan, the registrar of IIIT Kottayam, praised the cybersecurity program as a crucial initiative in line with the vision of the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He emphasized that the Cyber Commando Training Program will continue to be a key component in producing the next generation of cyber warriors to defend the nation’s digital interests.